'She apologized…': Javed Akhtar on ending 4-year feud with Kangana
What's the story
After a four-year-long legal battle, celebrated lyricist Javed Akhtar and actor-turned-MP Kangana Ranaut have finally settled their defamation case. The development was confirmed by both parties on Friday.
Speaking to the media in his first public statement after the court hearing, Akhtar said, "After all these years, the matters are finally settled. She has apologized for all the inconvenience caused to me."
"I will take back my case and she will take back her case," he added.
Mediation success
Ranaut confirmed resolution and praised Akhtar's kindness
Earlier on Friday, Ranaut had announced the end of their legal battle on social media.
She posted a cheerful picture with Akhtar, writing, "Javed ji and I have resolved our legal matter (defamation case) through mediation."
In her post, she also praised Akhtar for his graciousness during the mediation process and revealed that he has agreed to write songs for her next directorial venture.
Dispute background
Here's a look at the origins of Akhtar-Ranaut's legal dispute
The legal battle between Akhtar and Ranaut stemmed from a meeting at Akhtar's residence in March 2016.
At the time, Ranaut was embroiled in a public feud with actor Hrithik Roshan, who is close to the Akhtars.
During the meeting, Akhtar allegedly urged Ranaut to apologize to Roshan, but she refused.
The matter escalated in 2020 when Ranaut publicly recounted the 2016 meeting and made statements that Akhtar found defamatory.
Counter complaints
Akhtar and Ranaut filed defamation complaints against each other
Ranaut's public statement came during a televised interview after actor Sushant Singh Rajput's alleged suicide in 2020.
After Ranaut's public statements, Akhtar had filed a defamation complaint against her. In turn, in 2021, Ranaut filed her own complaint accusing Akhtar of trying to coerce her into apologizing.
This had started their legal battle, which has now been put to rest after around five years.